Japan trip report 2011

February 14. JLTF organizers booked me on CO
flight from Tampa through Houston to Tokyo. I liked Houston airport since
connection are very well thought over. I arrived terminal gate 7 and next
flight to Tokyo was on gate 7 in CO terminal. I had small breakfast and spend
next 2 hrs in Continental president club. I selected a isle seat which now CO
selling for $179! Good thing my AMEX covers incidentals for airlines
expenses. It was worth it, though. Lots of space to get up and stretch and no
seats in front of you. Long flight 16 hrs. Food was OK. Japanese dinner,
then followed by cheeseburger snack :-) . Unlike other airlines in
international flights, Continental does not offer wine. Arrival was on time and
Tokyo airport is well organized. I remember a nightmare 2 years ago when it was
swine flu and the health officials made to sit us on the plane 1 hr before they
allowed us to exit plane. This time it was a breeze.

After checking through passport control, got
my luggage quickly and the driver was waiting for me with the sign. Like
Japanese taxis, the car had white lace covers and driver was in white gloves. I
was probably alone from the group on this flight. It took 1 hour to get
to hotel so I slept in the car too. The weather was mix of rain and snow
sleet.

Okura hotel is very nice, www.hotelokura.co.jp . It is member of Leading hotels
of the world. Japanese decor. Very nice functional room, Toto toilets with washing
equipment - standard in hotel.

I had a voucher for dinner at hotel restaurant so I went to Terrace restaurant
and had light meal - chicken rice with omelet on top and melted cheese and corn
soup.

Back to room, prepared for tomorrow day of touring and meeting group and
organizers.

I looked at the group list and welcome package which was waiting for me in my
room. The group demographic was quite interesting. I was under
impressions they wanted to showcase Japan to Americans but I am pleasantly surprised
when I saw the list of 15 travel professionals and 5 journalists, it was
international. The official language of the conference is English.

The group list showed: 2 people from
Russia, 3 from France, 3 from USA, 1 from Canada, 1 from Taiwan, 1 from China
(interesting that they separated markets from China and Taiwan), 1 from Spain,
2 from Singapore, 1 from South Korea, 1 from India, 1 from Indonesia, 3 from
Australia.

I looked forward meeting everyone tomorrow, I
anticipated a good networking opportunities as well.

Day by Day journal

February 15.

Next morning, I went for breakfast for Cafe Camelia. Okura
hotel has 3 restaurants which are serving breakfast: Camelia, Terrace and
Japanese Yumazato. Since I had dinner yesterday at Terrace, I decided to try
another restaurant Camelia in South Wing. It took a while to get there but in
all lobbies there are plenty of young women in kimono directing you to right
place. The buffet was international. I love to sample different foods so I had
a mix or Japanese and Western cuisine. Some interesting food included poached
egg in light sauce custard, Burdock salad (I do not know what burdock is but it
tasted like crunchy horseradish). I also tried gnocchi with mushrooms in tomato
sauce, miso soup with tamiko small mushrooms. The fruit table included
interesting item - apple tea. It is not like apple tea in Turkey which tastes
like cider, this one is steeped apple compote and very strong taste but very
good. It is being drank in small cups like espresso. It did not look like it
had caffeine though. It also had pieces of apple in it. That became my favorite
drink for the week. There was also poached fruit in syrup and delicious light
pastries. Great Variety. Hotel supplied newspaper so I had something to browse
with breakfast.

I lingered enough until I needed to go to lobby to meet my
group. We made introductions and the guide directed us to the bus. We were
supposed to leave at 10am but were delayed for another 15 minutes.

Very unusual for Japan. Finally two guys rushed into the bus
and they looked at our unfriendly places and apologized: "Sorry, we are
French". Interesting introduction. We were finally on the way to the
center to start our sightseeing and our guide Sue told us about the country,
politics, city and customs. We learned about life in Tokyo. I've seen in my
previous visit Shinjuki - the busiest station which handles 3M people per day
and they employ "pushers" to pack people in the cars. What I did not
know, Sue explained that people were packed as sardines and they caused sexual
harassment of women so government came up with cars which are only for women so
they can commute in peace. Very clever.

We've learned few Japanese phrases: "Domo" - thank
you. This is in addition to "Arigato" which I knew before, but there
is also "Arigato Vazaymos" - thank you very much!

We've learned how to buy and most important, to keep
distance so you will not bump into somebody forehead. Small bow for regular
greeting, lower bow for superiors in the office or parents, 90 degrees bow to
emperor (whom we did not plan to see), or, also, Sue told us - for men who come
home guilty to their wife's or girlfriends but in this case, they are supposed
to complement bow with small gift. Japanese people prefer small expensive
things. We also learned that Kyoto was old capital until 1868 and after that
Tokyo became new capital and this is what it means in writing - "New
Capital".

Religion in Japan is both Buddhism and Shinto.
Shinto is the faith of Japanese people and is very old . Shinto does not have a
founder nor does it have sacred scriptures like the sutras or the bible.
Propaganda and preaching are not common either, because Shinto is deeply rooted
in the Japanese people and traditions. "Shinto gods" are called
kaki. They are sacred spirits which take the form of things and concepts
important to life, such as wind, rain, mountains, trees, rivers and fertility.
Humans become kaki after they die and are revered by their families as
ancestral kaki. The kaki of extraordinary people are even enshrined at some
shrines. The Sun Goddess Amateurish is considered Shinto's most important kaki.

As for Buddhism, people are get incarnated. I
would want to believe in Buddhism because it will be easier to die. If you've
been good in your life, in next life you will become someone better (a bird,
etc). But if you did not lead a good life, you might become an awful creature,
for example, cockroach. So people try to lead righteous life.

We passed a Sky Tree,
which is a tall tower is being constructed. It is Japanese answer to Eiffel Tower.
It is the tallest building in Tokyo and when it will be completed in 2013, it
will be 634m or 2080 ft. It will be the tallest building in the world.

We also admired Japanese toilets which have warm
seats and wash your bottom, also provide music or other noise and
deodorization. It is the great invention in the world, and now are being
available in USA under Toto brand. Sue told us however that before it was not
possible to use Toto in USA because our water is hard and it clogged pipes but
right now with new technology, it is working. I personally know someone in USA
who bought Toto toilet.

Anyway, we approached to our first destination
which was a Cut Glass Studio /www.hanashyo.com/ which uses unique technique to
produce beautifully designed glassware. It reminded me Bohemian glass in
Prague. There also was show room with items for sale but they were expensive. I
seem to be having problems with converting JPY into USD and I was making
mistake with one zero. I thought that small cup was $5 but it was $50! So I
passed on that. We walked afterwards to our bus. It was nice residential
neighborhood with park and dogwood trees, shrines and small alleys. Everything
was very clean. Dogwood trees, we were told, were gift from USA and Japan gave
to USA instead Cherry trees. Both trees blossom in April so it is a good time
to visit both Washington and Japan .

Next stop was to drive to theater for Geisha
performance. Usually Geishas perform in the evening but JLTF tour organizers
arranged special meeting with them. Before we got there, Su explained to us
about Geishas. I've read "Memoirs of Geisha" before and actually am
thinking about to create a tour following the steps of heroine of that book in
Kyoto. Unlike what people think about them in USA, Geisha is not courtesan but
musician, female artist and performer. They were specific heavy makeup, play
shamisen (national musical instrument) . Geishas cannot be married and can be
any age. Geisha's apprentice called Maiko.

So we arrive to the theater and we were taken to
the theater and met geishas. They performed a song for us. One was a player and
3 others danced. They use a lot's of signed language but the song mostly means
love. Here is the video.

After performance, we were shown the game which
involved to tap the object in music rhythm. Few of us including myself, went to
the stage and played game. Then we asked questions and geishas answered about
their work. It was very interesting. Afterwards we were scheduled to Asakusa -
traditional center of Tokyo on rickshaws and geishas went with us. We paired 2
people in each rickshaw and went. In Asakusa, we saw temples and shrines and
stroll through main street. Obviously, geishas never walk during the day in
public, because it created a lot's of interested to our little group and many
tourist and Japanese tried to take pictures of "Our geishas" we
felt very possessive of them. We did take great pictures though with geishas.
Afterwards, Su said that Geishas need to leave and our budget is only to have
geishas for few hours and we reluctantly bid geishas goodbye. It was great
activity.

As for Japanese food, unlike most Americans
think, sushi is not the main food in Japan. Probably because it is too
expensive. Japanese eat a lot's of fish and seafood, noodles, and not too much
meat. In ancient times, Buddhism prohibited to eat 4 legged animals, but in
modern times, Japanese introduced beef to their diet. Their steaks are not
thick as ours (and smaller, but again, any steak would be smaller than American
steak). They also like to eat it sweetened so most steak are thin and cooked
with some teriyaki or soy sauce. Sukiyaki is simmered beef in soy sauce cooked
on the pot on the table with vegetables and noodles. Shabu-Shabu is also beef
thinly sliced and cooked in the broth like fondue. Shabu-Shabu means
swish-swish in Japanese which represent noise of cooking. The beef is specially
bred, expensive and called Kobe beef. But they eat very little of meat.

Japanese have very healthy diet and generally
enjoy long life , average men live 80 years and women 85. They eat a lot's of
soybean in their diet (tofu, desserts), soy milk. It has some ingredient which
is healthy and prevents osteoporosis.

The restaurant was beautiful and lunch was
delicious. It was set tenderloin lunch menu and started with appetizers
(shrimps and in salad). Then it was roasted bamboo. Like our artichokes, the
top was chewy and not edible but the bottom stalk was delicious. We were told
that each portion of bamboo increases life for 75 days :-) . Then it followed
with Shellfish Cream soup which only had a delicate hint of seafood. The beef
(something like filegh mignon small steaks) were seared on the table top which
we call hibachi (no fires, throwing shrimp in patrons mouth, etc ). Then he
seared potatoes and served everybody according to the degree of cooking. I love
my beef rare.

Desert was well prepared but nothing unusual,
more like angel food cake with cream and strawberries. But it was delicious.
Since we had journalists in our group, many were taking photos of the food and
writing descriptions. One Australian lady did not eat desserts so I became her
friend :-) .

After lunch, we met another guide who was an
architect and professor of university to talk to us about modern architecture.
He explained the neighborhood which is considered Tokyo Fifth Avenue. But the
difference is that Omotensando is built by famous Japanese and world Architects
and is influenced by designers stores to build buildings reflecting their
couture fashion. It is really sleek and futuristic. For example, Louis Vuitton
store was inspired by famous Louis Vuitton trunk, Christian Dior looked like it
was covered with curtains, there are no mirrors inside, but screens who take
video of people and project them on the large wall screen. This and changing
lights supposed to create a dramatic effects in the evening.

I loved this tour but unfortunately we only had
1 hr. Actually the architects was very upset and said it is not possible to
convey the architecture in one hour. We also visited one modern gallery with
contemporary statues which move. It did not do anything to me since I am not
that much imaginative to accept modern art but other people in the group said
the movement hypnotized them. In any case, the city is and intriguing mix of
traditional ancient blended with contemporary/futuristic. They are
probably 20 years ahead of us in technology.

Our next stop was to attend a private Nezu
museum http://www.nezu-muse.or.jp/en/index.html , which is owned by
president of Tobu Railway, Nezu Kaichiro family. It contained traditional art
and painting. It was amazing to see such fine details of the painting.
Afterwards, we went back to hotel. It was a long sightseeing day but we saw a
lot.

We came back to hotel to change and attended
official JLTF reception hosted by Japanese government. We learned how to toast
("Kampai!") and talked to officials, hotel representatives and
Japanese suppliers.

So we retired for a long day, had a good time
and spent good day together as a group.

February 16

Today is working day for travel buyers and
sightseeing for media professionals. Media professionals went to visit
Roppongi, National art center, and see some department stores.

I had breakfast in Japanese restaurant and they
brought me whole tray of Japanese food. It was good but some of the dishes I
did not understand and I did not know how to eat so I was watching locals. It
was delicious though whatever it was.

Our trade show started at 10am. I went about 15
min earlier only to discover that I went to wrong meeting building. I walked
into conference room and some people handed me some material in Japanese. I did
not notice my familiar people. I tried to explain what meeting I am for and
they could not understand but bowed graciously and said something in Japanese.
I finally thought to show my trade event info which had some Japanese writing
and they called someone and explained to me that I need to go to another south
building same conference room. We bowed and parted, I returned Japanese
materials and rushed across hotel. Fortunately there are a lot's of employees ,
mostly young attractive women in kimonos whose responsibility is just to stand
in the lobby and direct guests. Very nice feature. I do not know how much they
are paid but the woman in our group who is Japanese explained to me that there
is very low unemployment in Japan because they use so many people for
supplemental activities which are probably unheard in USA. But it was very
helpful, she took me to the elevator, pushed button for me, bowed, and I rushed
through connecting hallway to the right building. Other people also got lost so
JLTF organizer said we will have to start 15 min later and she did not sound
happy. French guys again appeared late, but what's new!

Anyway, tradeshow was the highlight of my trip
(of course, after sightseeing and food!), since I would never had an
opportunity to meet so many incoming destination management companies in one
place. True, I attended other luxury travel forum just few months before in
Cannes, but this one was only for one country! I found a lot's about geography,
attractions, hotels and other interesting accommodations and sightseeing.

I came with misconception that Japan is
expensive. In fact, I had a trouble to plan my own trip 2 years ago. But now I
learned that there are different ways to put together itineraries, from luxury
private tour with a driver, guide, sightseeing, helicopter charters, and
special cultural experiences, to more on budget side like walking tour and
using public transportation, and even booking people into local group
tours. And, local incoming operators were offering us good wholesale rates, so
I am getting exciting about planning and selling Japanese trips. There is also
city passes which tourist can but in advance and airport bus delivers to the
center, so there are ways to make a trip affordable. I would recommend a
private guide though, even in Tokyo, while you can many signs in English, still
hard to understand basics in stores and restaurants.

As for accommodations, I was for a treat. We've
met hotel suppliers from luxury hotel Okura and Royal Park (where we
stayed), to traditional country inns Ryokans (we will be going there tomorrow),
and even traditional townhouses in Kyoto, which can house a family or few couples,
and bring out the beauty of traditional Kyoto living.

Interesting sightseeing included but not limited

1. Helicopter sightseeing for example:

· full
day tour from Tokyo, 1hr 20 min flight over Mt. Fuji, 5 hr stay at Hakone, and
35 min flight from Hakone back to Tokyo.

· One
day charter to Nikko

· Fly
from Tokyo to Sapporo 30 min, ski at Ski Resort and fly back.

· Night
helicopter sightseeing

2. Special performance by Kabuki Actors or
Geishas

3. Cultural experiences:

· tea
ceremony

· Ekibana
(flower arrangements)

· Japanese
style wedding ceremony

· Japanese
calligraphy

· Visit
with Sumo wrestlers

· Japanese
cooking

· Hot
springs (Ones)

4. Sports

· Private
golf with view of Mt .Fuji (or regular golf)

· Hiking
Mt. Fuji

· Skiing

5. Spa and wellness

6. Technology

Anime
Gadgets

And many others!

I also met representative of beach resorts in
Okinawa which has tropical climate and is a good time to rest after touring the
country.

There were also representatives of my favorite
chain - Small Luxury Hotels which had really nice properties in Kyoto.

So it was good and productive day. We also had
lunch with Japan Airline rep and he told us now there are some international
flights into Haneda from some US and European cities, so it is more flights and
Haneda is closer.

After show we went for dinner using our voucher
for hotel's restaurant. We went for Chinese restaurant. Some dishes were good
but I chose fried chicken and it was not that excellent like the rest.
Afterwards myself and two Australians went to Roppongi to see nightlife
district. It was lovely. They had skating ring there. Also there were many bars
and restaurants catering to Western tourists. We saw beautiful display of fruit
in the stores. Few of the blocks however looked very seedy - it was first place
in Tokyo I was a bit apprehensive. Few days later we talked to hotel manager
and he said he does not let his daughter going there. So one must be careful
there. Not that dangerous like in other cities though. The Journalists group
reported that had a good time as well during the day tour. They went to some
small restaurant where husband and wife owners served them delicious food. Some
men however complained that there was too much shopping!

February 17.

I had breakfast at Terrace restaurant with
other people. It has beautiful view of tranquil garden. The food was buffet
with mix of Japanese and Western specialties, very good. They even served
champagne.

After breakfast we've met with Okura hotel
manager for an inspection tour. We visited different rooms and suites including
presidential suite and imperial suite where president Clinton stayed and Indian
Prime Minister (was item of interest to Indian member of our group). It is a
really nice hotel even for regular rooms. We stayed in superior rooms.

After inspection, we had time for lunch or take
out and packed to leave for one overnight to go to Izu - countryside. We were
told to leave our luggage in a room, pack overnight bag and luggage will be
transferred to next Tokyo hotel. It was very convenient so we would not drag
larger suitcase. While I was getting my takeout lunch, I notice luggage shop
next door and I splurge with a small cute 4 wheel drive carryon. I just could
not pass it. I spend many time in airports traveling and this would be perfect.
I still felt guilty spending a lots of money on large suitcase but when I went
out, I met a french guy and he looked at it and declared that brand means famous
french designer so I bought a cool thing! I enjoyed it a lot, it was a breeze
to wheel it in airports.

Anyway, we were off to our next destination -
Izu/Shuzenji. Izu Peninsula is located in Shizuoka, it is a famous hot spring
resort area. It is one of the most popular domestic and foreign tourist not far
(2.5 hrs) from Tokyo. The president of Ryokan collection. Mr. Hiroki Fukunaga,
whom we met previous day, stayed overnight at hotel and was going with us for 2
days. He also had guide/translator so on the way, they explained to us about
Izu and hot springs and ryokans. We were looking forward to experience
authentic Japanese inn and hot springs.

On the way we ate and had some sake, so there
was an impromptu concert from French, Indian and international songs. We also
stopped at rest area and even rest area was an adventure - so much different
food, shopping. There even was electric charge station for the car and I took
photo of the car being charged! It is indeed a futuristic country. We tried to
figure out what we bought to eat and came to the bus and shared it.
Interesting, there was a donut shop called New York donut and tasted like our
donut :-). After eating, we talked or napped. In few hours, we arrived to
Shunzenu.

Since Ryokans are small, we were split in 3
properties and it was planned to inspect them all. First stop was Ryokan in
town, traditional Japanese, Yagyu-no-Sho, http://www.ryokancollection.com/eng/lrc/ryokan_sto... which breathtaking scenery set within bamboo forest. The owners husband
and wife team met us and proudly showed around. Many rooms had private onsen
(hot spring bath). One suite had also pond with beautiful fish. All rooms are
set up so you do not see neighbors when you look at the window. It is very
serene and tranquil. The beds are futons which are taken in and then taken
away. Chairs are low so you seat on the floor.

We bid goodbye to our 5 members of the group and
continued to second ryokan, Asaba

We dropped off other members there, we will come
to inspect it tomorrow. It was in the center of town.

We finally arrived to ours which is called Arcana,
http://www.arcanaresorts.com/en/ which was the largest of 3, we had about
7 people stayed there. Our Ryokan was actually not traditional but contemporary
and westernized and more resembled luxury french auberge. Therefore there was
not futon bed, but western beds in the room. But it also had private hot spring
tub on the deck. It had wi-fi (free), and came with pajamas (Yukata, very
comfortable soft cotton). No TV, means relaxation. The wall was glass and it
was dark but I could hear some waterfalls outside.

We were told to come to dinner at 7 and I went
to enjoy hot spa.

Dinner was French with about 10 courses, very
creative. We were seating at the table kind of counter facing the chefs. It was
interesting experience. Unfortunately my camera was charging so could
not take pictures . It was beautifully presented. One of the dishes was a
composition of vegetables created from miniscule cut vegetables - raw,
marinated, dried and cooked. It was 60 of them! The vegetables were drizzled with
kind of balsamic vinegar sauce and below was something dark like chocolate.
When we finished, the waiter removed glass flat holder where vegetables rested
on the plate and below under the holder was soil - dirt... He explained to us
it is part of composition so we would not think to it! This was incredible. The
dinner was long affair for 3 hours and was a feast to the eyes and palate.

We talked, and after dinner did not want to
leave, so there were songs again. It is a lots of singing in our group! Finally
we split going to bed. I fell asleep immediately. I woke up early (still
leftovers of jet lag) and used the time to sit in hot springs.

It is a great experience. In 45F degree weather,
step out of shower outside on the deck and sink in onsen (hot tub) of mineral
water. If the water too hot, you can add cold water from the tap. When I got
too hot, I sat on the edge and it was not cold at all . The body heats up. The
skin felt very good afterwards.

Onsen is a part of Japanese experience and life.
In most places, it is public bath and people take it naked. Therefore public
baths are separate men and women. Some expensive inns like ours had private
bath so it is possible for a person or a couple to enjoy it in privacy. Some
luxury inns also have private rooms in ryokans for couples. I personally love
hot springs and wherever I travel, I never miss an opportunity (Czech Republic,
Hungary, Germany, USA, etc). If you ever will have an opportunity, I urge
you to try it in Japan. It is very enjoyable.

February 18.

In the morning, after taking onsen bath and then
shower, I went for breakfast. Same chef did not disappoint. It was a tray
with same different samples of toy food to play. They explained to us and then
brought the picture of description of food on the tray. It was so much
fun. After breakfast the rest of group arrived to inspect our ryokan and
we went to pack and take carryons to the bus. Our next stop was to go into town
to see the temple and inspect Asaba Ryokan. The temple was as other temples
we've seen in Tokyo but it was a private visit and also they opened a door in
the back to show beautiful rock and pond gardens. It was very relaxing. We also
see preparations for dolls festival when all girls and women bring their dolls
on display and it was beautiful collection. Afterwards we inspected another
Ryokan (second) where part of our group stayed. It was also part of Relais and
Chateaux and it was beautiful and serene.

Another feature of Ryokan, is that the concept
is to serve delicious traditional food. It was designed as destination
restaurant with hot springs (most of them). So they serve delicious
multi-course dinner (kaiseki) and breakfast in the morning and guests do not
have to leave, they eat, rest, sleep and leave rejuvenated. We very much
enjoyed this experience, even though our dinner was french, but most ryokans
serve Japanese kaiseki dinner. I highly recommend just to spend one or few
nights there for this special experience.

After inspection of Asaba, we went to town for
short time, but shopping was not interesting. We also had soba noodles lunch in
local place and then went to our bus for ride home. Weather permitting,
there was planned stop in one place to get a good photo of Mt. Fuji, but
unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate. We stopped again for snacks at
rest area on highway and slept the rest of the trip. We arrived Tokyo to next
hotel Royal Park hotel around 4pm.

That was last day in Tokyo and the trip and the
last impression should be the best. And it was! On arrival Royal Park team was
meeting us at the entrance. By this time, we understood, it is a custom to get
out and meet guest - anywhere - at hotels, stores at the opening. Very welcome
tradition. Makes you feel great and welcome. On Tuesday trade show, they told
us that we are booked in executive floor with drinks, hors d'oeuvres, separate check-in, fitness center
access and internet. So they took us to the executive floor to check-in. We had
cocktails and then we went for inspection. They broke us into 3 groups by
region (Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific). Journalists also went with us. The
hotel is also 5*, not that fancy as Okura and different type, kind of low key,
but I liked it a lot. It is much better value. For Okura price, you can get
better room category like executive floor and have a lot's of features
included. It is also located in very nice interesting neighborhood while Okura
was a bit isolated next to American embassy. The airport bus comes right to the
hotel and the staff comes to pick up your luggage, so it is a big plus. IN
addition, the metro station right in the basement of hotel, so if it rains, you
do not even need to go outside. It is very convenient location and a lot's of
traditional shops, restaurants and shrines within walking distance. We had a
party afterwards and thanked the hotel management for making us so much
welcome. The food at the party also was great.

My luggage was in the room which was transferred
from Okura. Interesting observation: I brought 2 "extra pairs " of my
old shows just to wear them once and leave in the country. That's was I usually
do with my old comfortable clothes - I am disposing it eventually all around
the world. It frees space in suitcase for new purchases. In Okura, I left two
pairs of shoes in the room. outside of my suitcase. But they were thought as
forgotten items, packed in separate bag and delivered to Royal Park. This is
first time my disposed items followed me. I left them in second hotel and wrote
on them that these I am not taking with me. Another thing which sets apart Japan
and Okura hotel employees.

After party, we said goodbye to some members of
our group. We split in parts, some of us went to Roppongi, I needed to finish
my shopping and went together with Korean and Indonesian women to the stores.
We arrived to Mitsukoshi department store but unfortunately it just closed at
8pm. We also walked into some book stores. The girls still bought some staff in
supermarket but I decided will go alone tomorrow last day since I had a
morning.

After that I packed and went to bed. The room
was somewhat a small suite and they had in each room a computer! When I became
hungry, I went downstairs to take out dinner with my voucher coupon provided by
JLTF. I love this hotel, the employees were so friendly and happy!

February 19.

My flight was at 5pm, so I had morning. I
enjoyed good location of hotel so I went out to walk, visited park, stopped in
some stores, got some small souvenirs. It is a pricey country, but quality is
so good.

I saw a baseball team practice and asked to take
their picture and the boys posed for me.

I came back to hotel, finished packing and went
to check out in executive lounge with some tea and pastries. Then I went to the
lobby and the car was already waiting (15 min earlier). So I went to the
airport, 1 hr drive again. At check-in I was happy to find out that my upgrade
request was granted so I was flying back in first class. I went to executive
lounge to use internet and again get some snacks (better food then in Houston).
But the lounge was crowded. Probably Narita is busy airport. I also did my last
minute shopping in the airport store and honestly, it was the most convenient
shopping because there were explanations in English and many salesladies to
explain things. I completed my shopping and was on time to board. The flight
was very comfortable, the first class seats decline 180 degrees into flat bed
and there are some additional lights to read. I do not remember when I slept so
much, and I arrived Houston refreshed. Again, Houston was very orderly and
pleasant airport (much better than NY and Chicago). I rechecked my suitcase at
customs, went through passport control, spent 30 min in Houston lounge, checked
again my messages, made some calls and flight to Tampa was on time and
uneventful. First class to Tampa is not worth it but since they upgraded me on
both, that was fine. It is just seats are wider but they do not recline much.
They served chicken salad and drinks but I did not want to drink. I slept a bit
more and arrived home town. All flights to Japan were on time so it was a good
trip.

So it concluded my trip to Japan.

General thoughts.

This was my second visit to Japan and it keeps
amazing me. It is so exotic, Unlike Europe and Americas. Unlike other
Asian countries, it is civilized, cultured, clean.

Cost vs Value

It might sound expensive, but there are ways to do it at reasonable cost. Some
cities are less expensive than others. Public transportation is excellent. You
can reduce cost by using total package prepared by wholesalers. You can use
public transfer by bus from airport and then taxi local taxi. Or if you use
good location, some hotels like Royal Park can come and pick you and your
luggage up. You can also use citypass to get around if you are independent
traveler. Or you can get a guide and use public transportation. I am not sure
if you can drive there by yourself since many signs are in Japanese and they
drive on left side of the road. Other cities are less expensive than Tokyo and
Kyoto. Some of the packages can include meals and special experiences so this
can be even less expensive then do it yourself since wholesale tour operators
have better buying power.

But the value delivered for you is excellent.
You are guaranteed to get great food, service and clean environment. The simple
things like landscaping, rock gardens, hot springs, serenity will calm you
down. People are polite and going out of the way to help even if they do not
speak English. Service is out of the world. They employ many people just to
help you get you around at hotels! The service at hotels was excellent.
Cultural experiences are unique. Nowhere else you see Geishas, Sumo Wrestlers,
Beautiful flower and fruit arrangements, Green tea ceremony, Onsen experience,
art. Even toilets are unique! As for technophiles, I felt that their
gadgets are ahead of us about 20 years. Anime is another part of Japanese
culture.

Internet and phone.

I think beacuse their phones are so advanced and their cell
network is so fast, Japanese do everything on their cell phones including from
using different applications, reading books, watching TV's. Probably they are
less expensive than computers. For tourists it represent some problem. First,
for AMericans, out phones do not work in Japan. My blackberryworked so far
everywhere in the world except Japan. Before going on this trip, I considered
to rent Japanese phone for $90 a week delivered to you in Japan, www.jcrcorp.com .
But then I decided due to significant time difference, I will not be able to
attend to emergencies so relied on skype. Skype is either cheap or free (if
your calling party has it too). It worked but in Okura I had to pay for
internet $20 per day. In Royal Park it was complimentary on executive floor. In
Ryokan it was free included in the stay. As a rule for travelers, inexpensive
hotels have wi-fi included but in luxury hotels most likely unless you have
special package, you will have pay to wi-fi. I missed my blackberry first day
but then I accepted fact that during Japanese day it is night back home so I
relaxed and first time in many years I enjoyed being blackberry-less. When my
tripmates asked me how I get by without phone, I explained to them that. They
had less time difference and most Asian and Australians and even French phones
worked. We Americans still lag with technology.

Update 2015: last time I was in Japan in 2014, my phone has been working.

Water

Water is safe to drink but most people in Japan use bottled water in
restaurants, etc. The water in Riokan tasted great and they explained it is a
special Mt. Fuji Water.

Food.

My favorite part of vacation. There is no doubt that
Japan is now one of the great food nations: Tokyo's Michelin stars can only add
to the previous conviction held by many that Japan is indeed the best place on
earth to eat. Going far beyond the familiar favorites in USA of sushi and
tempura, Japanese food focuses intently on fresh, seasonal ingredients, and the
emphasis on presentation means that Japanese cuisine is a pleasure for both the
eyes and the palate.

Eating and drinking are integral to Japanese culture, Tokyo
alone is home to more than a quarter of a million restaurants, from the luxury
to tiny street stalls and highway rest area. Eating in Japan at any part of the
spectrum can be a culinary adventure. Japanese fare highlights fresh
seasonal produce, delicate preparation and beautiful presentation. Locally
sourced food is much prized, and old traditions of picking wild vegetables are
very much alive. There are now also many imported culinary traditions, from
excellent French restaurants to cheap American chains, but the traditional
recipes remain a staple of the daily diet.

For quick, casual Japanese dining, udon, soba or ramen
noodles are a treat. At the other end of the spectrum, ryokan, with traditional
restaurants creating delicate kaiseki meals, serve up sophisticated menus
comprised of prescribed courses. A meal must at the very least include a fried
dish, a simmered dish, and a steamed dish, though all kaiseki restaurants will
go far beyond this, sometimes serving as many as twenty courses (ours was 12
courses French). Kaiseki was originally served at the tea ceremony, and is a
wonderful way to sample small dishes of meat, fish, vegetables, pickles, rice,
and soup - with so much variety there is something to everyone's taste.

I would definitely will come back to see more. I
fell in love with Japan.

In conclusion, I would like to thank Government of Japan and
JLTF forum to give me this special opportunity to see and experience their
country as their guest.